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Moments and stories from the 2026/27 school year.
View photos from past eventsSchool Celebration of 28 October 1940 (OXI Day)
Saturday 24 October 2026
The national anniversary of 28 October 1940 was marked at our school with a modest ceremony, held on Saturday 24 October.
Our Headmaster, Michael Ellinas, spoke briefly about the anniversary and its significance for the final outcome of the Second World War.
Pupils recited poems and sang well-known songs from the "Epic of '40", proudly holding small Greek flags.
At the end of the program, the children from Reception and Kindergarten paraded through the hall to the sound of marching music, and then everyone sang our National Anthem together.
School blessing · 19 September 2026
The 2026/27 school year began with the school’s annual blessing ceremony at the Independent Greek School of Finchley.
Bishop Iakovos of Claudiopolis, head of the Greek Orthodox community of Saint Barnabas in North London, led the service with Father Grigorios. Headmaster Michael Ellinas welcomed the Bishop and spoke about asking for God’s help at the beginning of new work and new efforts.
After blessing the pupils, teachers and volunteers, the Bishop shared Archbishop Nikitas’ wishes. He reminded everyone that a Greek school does more than teach: it keeps the Greek language, history, traditions and culture alive. He encouraged pupils to love the language, be proud of their heritage, and grow into kind people who respect others.
A reception for parents followed the ceremony.
Celebrating Maro’s 33 years at the Independent Greek School of Finchley
After 33 years of teaching, Maro Marathefti retired from the Independent Greek School of Finchley. The school community thanked her for her dedication to pupils, colleagues and Greek-language education.
Headmaster Michael Ellinas praised Maro’s care for her pupils and her lasting contribution to the Greek community. Colleagues presented her with a card and commemorative gift.
Maro shared a heartfelt farewell with pupils, parents and staff.
Read Maro’s full farewell message
“The moment I once thought so far away has arrived. A chapter is sadly closing after 33 years at the Independent Greek School of Finchley, the school I loved so much. It has been a chapter full of experiences, worries, joys and deep satisfaction.
I hope that I, too, have contributed something to Greek community education. Our goal remains sacred: to keep alive the flame of our homeland, our language and faith, our traditions and beliefs.
It is time, with a full heart, to say goodbye. I will keep these memories as a precious treasure. My heartfelt thanks to the Education Ministries of Greece and Cyprus, the inspectors and supervisors of KEA, especially Maria Loi, for their constant support.
Thank you to the parents’ committees and mothers’ associations, always ready to help; to my wonderful colleagues, with whom I leave the baton, for our excellent cooperation; and especially to our headmaster, Mr Michael Ellinas, for his support and help throughout the years.
To all parents, thank you for working with me and for the sacrifices you make so your children can learn our language, traditions, culture, faith and civilisation. The greatest applause belongs to you, the children. Your smiles, laughter, stories, questions and mischief were a true blessing to me.
Dear children, come back to your Greek school often, with joy and enthusiasm, and love it. Speak Greek and be proud of your heritage. Become good people in the British society where we live, while keeping Greece and Cyprus in your hearts. I am leaving with a full heart; I am not saying goodbye, because my heart remains here. I will always follow your news. I wish you a happy, blessed and creative school year.”